Judgment Won. Payment Ignored. Now What?

Winning a judgment feels like crossing the finish line. Unfortunately, for many people, it’s only the halfway point.

Courts do not automatically force the losing party to pay. If the other side ignores the judgment, collection becomes your responsibility. The good news is that the law gives you tools to enforce it. The challenge is knowing which ones apply to your situation—and how to use them effectively.

Below is a clear breakdown of what happens next and how judgments are actually collected.

First: A Judgment Is a Legal Right, Not Automatic Payment

A judgment confirms that:

You are legally owed money
The amount is fixed
The court agrees with you

What it does not do is:

Pull money from the other party’s bank account
Force them to send a check
Automatically penalize them for ignoring it

Enforcement only begins after you take action.

Step 1: Identify What the Debtor Owns or Earns

Before you can collect, you need information. This usually includes:

Bank accounts
Employment and wages
Business income
Real property
Vehicles or valuable assets

If you don’t already know this, the court allows post-judgment discovery, which may include:

Written interrogatories
Requests for financial documents
A court-ordered debtor examination where the debtor must testify under oath about assets

Ignoring these orders can result in penalties or contempt.

Step 2: Choose the Right Enforcement Tool

Different situations call for different collection methods.

Wage Garnishment

If the debtor is employed:

A portion of their wages can be withheld directly by their employer
Garnishment continues until the judgment is paid or employment ends

This is one of the most reliable collection methods when available.

Bank Levy

If the debtor has money in a bank account:

The court can authorize a levy
Funds are frozen and turned over to you, up to the judgment amount

Timing matters here. If the account is empty on the day of the levy, nothing is collected.

Property Liens

If the debtor owns real estate:

A lien can be recorded against the property
The judgment must be paid when the property is sold or refinanced

This method takes longer but can be very effective, especially for larger judgments.

Till Taps or Business Levies

If the debtor owns a business:

Cash registers and business accounts can be levied
Receivables may also be targeted in some cases

This requires precision and is often handled by an attorney or enforcement officer.

Step 3: Add Interest and Costs

Judgments usually accrue statutory interest, meaning:

The longer the debtor delays, the more they owe
Certain enforcement costs can be added to the judgment total

Delaying enforcement can still cost you time, but it also increases pressure on the debtor.

Step 4: Understand the Time Limits

Judgments do not last forever.

Most judgments:

Are enforceable for a fixed number of years
Can often be renewed before they expire

If you miss the renewal window, you may lose the ability to collect entirely—even if the money is still owed.

Step 5: Decide Whether to Hire a Lawyer

You can attempt collection on your own, but judgment enforcement is procedural and unforgiving. Common mistakes include:

Filing the wrong paperwork
Missing deadlines
Choosing ineffective enforcement methods
Violating exemption rules

An attorney can:

Identify assets faster
Use multiple enforcement tools at once
Avoid costly errors
Increase the likelihood of actual recovery

In many cases, legal fees are outweighed by improved collection results.

The Bottom Line

Winning a judgment gives you the legal right to collect—but enforcement is what turns paper into payment.

If the other side is ignoring the judgment:

You are not powerless
You do have options
Action matters more than patience

The sooner you move forward with enforcement, the better your chances of getting paid.

Need legal help? In California, navigating legal challenges, whether they involve personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense or civil litigation, can be overwhelming. Khoury Law Group is here to provide the critical legal support you need. As a leading advocate for individuals facing legal battles, our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of the legal system and are committed to fighting for your best interests. With personalized legal strategies and compassionate support, we are dedicated to achieving the justice and compensation you deserve.

CONTACT US FOR HELP. Call us at (888) 354-6879 or fill out the form on our Contact page.